My Weak Spot

on November 8, 2009
in All Posts

Well, friends… I feared this would happen.  :(  I think I might have an overuse injury from marathon training.  My right Achilles tendon has been bothering me for the past 3 runs, and I finally decided today that I could not ignore it any longer.

 

I’ll blog about this in-depth tomorrow, but as of right now, the game plan is to not run for the rest of the week.  I have two races coming up (on Saturday and Sunday), and I really want to do both.  Hopefully, I caught this early and five days off will cure me!

 

Before I came to this decision, I did go on a 3.0 mile run.  The Husband snapped some pictures of me before I left:

IMG_0594

IMG_0596

I wish Maggie could run with me!  🙂

 

I did 3 miles in about 28:01 minutes.  My foot hurt the entire time.  I spent the first half of the running thinking, “Ah, you’re just being paranoid. It will go away.”  I spent the second half of the run thinking, “Oh, hells to the NO!”

 

Here are the eats of the afternoon and evening.  I snacked on Caramel Popcorn, but the camera ate the picture. 

 

I also had 1/2 a Clif bar before my run:

IMG_0590

The Husband made dinner.  He cooked up Sweet and Sour Lo Mein with steamed veggies.  It was very good!

IMG_0603

My To Do list is almost complete!  I’ve got some more work to do before I can relax, so I better HOP TO IT!

 

No pun intended, of course.

 

Edited to add: Just had a small bowl of cookie dough ice cream.  YUM!

{ 68 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 8, 2009, 7:15 pm

    That is my fave Clif bar, too. I stock up like mad. Hope your foot feels better. 🙁

  • Mica November 8, 2009, 7:20 pm

    Sorry about your Achilles! It’s probably a good idea to rest it for a few days; it may work wonders!

    I always forget how small Maggie is. What a cutie!

  • Katie November 8, 2009, 7:20 pm

    Boo! I’ve been there…but the #1 thing I’ve learned is that resting BEFORE you want to is the best way to get an injury to go away. Of course, I’ve never actually taken my own advice, but I’ve regretted it every single time.

  • Diana November 8, 2009, 7:21 pm

    So sorry to hear about your foot. I hope it gets better!

  • Marian November 8, 2009, 7:22 pm

    Ahh…I’ve had a sprained Achilles and it was NOT FUN…hopefully your rest will leave you healed and fresh for your races next weekend!!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) November 8, 2009, 7:27 pm

    Overuse injuries are such a pain in the ass! They get the best of us, even if we do EVERYTHING right! My Achilles has been a bit off since my half 3 weeks ago. Super annoying. I am sure you will come around quickly because you caught it early. Do you think you will try that taping technique in that Runner’s World article? It looks like it would really help!
    Here’s to a happy and restful taper week!
    Ange

  • Evan Thomas November 8, 2009, 7:40 pm

    Take care of yourself fist and foremost! That’s what matters more than running.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat November 8, 2009, 7:44 pm

    Yikes! Well I’m glad you are going to take some time off to let it heal and hopefully that will be all you have to do and the races will be fine 🙂

  • Lizzy November 8, 2009, 7:46 pm

    Caitlin! I developed Achilles Tendonitis 1.5 months before I was supposed to run the NYC Marathon this year. It hurt when I ran so I decided to take a few weeks off and started physical therapy but after a month it didn’t get better and I deferred my number until next year. I’m still depressed about it but like you it was my first marathon and I didn’t want to run injured. I hope this won’t happen to you! But now I’m in PT 3 times a week and I know I’m gonna get out of this a MUCH stronger runner!!!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) November 8, 2009, 7:48 pm

    So sorry for the overuse injury. It’s not fun to have to deal with. I hope that you caught it early so you can enjoy your runs. I know how much you love them.

    BTW Maggie looks adorable in the pic with you kissing her 🙂

  • Kara November 8, 2009, 7:48 pm

    Oh no!! Hope your tendon heals quickly and you’re back on the road soon!

  • Tay November 8, 2009, 7:49 pm

    Awww darling I’m sorry. But good for you for listening to your body (aka foot) and rest it!! You know how much resting helps 🙂 Good luck with everything.

    And that pasta sounds delicious. I’m craving sweet & sour now!

  • Amelia November 8, 2009, 7:49 pm

    Shoot! Sorry to hear about your injury. Hopefully your days off will help. You’ll be out there racing soon enough! 🙂

  • Julie @savvyeats November 8, 2009, 7:50 pm

    Bummer about the Achilles heel! Hope it feels better by the weekend!

    I think taking the rest of the week off will work wonders for you. After my 15K, my IT band was killing me, but a week off helped so much!

  • MelissaNibbles November 8, 2009, 7:52 pm

    Take it easy and rest up. You’ll be back in action in no time. Sending positive vibes your way!

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans November 8, 2009, 7:53 pm

    Achilles injuries are NO fun! Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate (RICE) that sucker up!

  • AM November 8, 2009, 7:56 pm

    So sorry about the injury! You’re so smart to take the week off — we all know how hard it is to force ourselves into taking time off when we’re training, but it’s absolutely necessary. I have always run through injuries and ALWAYS developed an even worse compensation injury. It’s just not worth it!

    My fav clif bars are the white chocolate and the pumpkin spice (it’s seasonal).

  • Niki (Running In Pink) November 8, 2009, 8:00 pm

    Don’t get discouraged! It’s a good idea that you are planning on taking some time off running to let it heal before it gets really flared up. Good luck, hun!!

  • Island Girl Eats November 8, 2009, 8:01 pm

    I hope that the time off from running will help your injury. I know how frustrating it is to have to take time off. I can’t believe that the Disney Marathon is 2 months away! I just did my long run today, 15 miles! Hopefully the extra 11 miles will be just as easy!

    Have a good evening!

  • Wendy November 8, 2009, 8:04 pm

    I think you are wise to take a few days’ rest rather than push through the injury! A friend of mine is having post-marathon Achilles problems. She’s been using that kinesio-tape and says it’s really helped!

  • Annamarina (Running Tails) November 8, 2009, 8:07 pm

    Oh no! I feel your pain – I had an overuse injury three weeks before my marathon. I took over 2 weeks off and I was totally healed and felt great for the race. I’m sure with rest you will be fine too!

  • Peter November 8, 2009, 8:09 pm

    heat – heat – heat – no ice.

  • healthy ashley November 8, 2009, 8:18 pm

    Good luck getting better! I think rest is always a good idea.

    And nice job on tonight’s 3-miler 🙂

  • Ashley November 8, 2009, 8:19 pm

    Love your shirt!!!

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels November 8, 2009, 8:19 pm

    Those white chocolate bars are new to me . . . I must find them and get them for my bf . . . hope your injury gets better with a couple days off!

  • Dori November 8, 2009, 8:30 pm

    The lomein looks awesome. Hope your foot feels better, rest is probably just what you need!

  • Justy2003 November 8, 2009, 8:30 pm

    I’m currently dealing with an injury as well…and I’m pretty sure it’s from overdoing it a few weeks ago 🙁 Boo. I hate injuries.
    Hope you’re all back to normal so you can rock your races! Also, congrats on your Foodbuzz award for Operation Beautiful. It was definitely well deserved!

  • melissa November 8, 2009, 8:32 pm

    Hope your ankle feels better soon, there is nothing more disheartening than thinking about pain through an entire run.

  • Alex November 8, 2009, 8:34 pm

    Yes, you should definitely rest! But I have to say, it’s pretty unlikely you developed an overuse injury on low-ish mileage, especially because you’ve been careful increasing from week to week. When I developed Achilles tendinitis, it was because I ignored replacing my shoes! How old are yours?? Even if they’re not that old, if you’ve run a certain number of miles in them or put a lot of time on them doing non-running activities, you definitely should think about getting a new pair. Check the sides of the soles for cracks or other signs of overuse. And here’s a helpful article: http://www.examiner.com/x-11559-SF-Running-Examiner~y2009m5d21-Time-for-a-new-pair-of-shoes.

    I hope you feel better – being injured is definitely the opposite of fun.

    • caitlin November 8, 2009, 8:37 pm

      im going to go ahead and argue that 30 miles a week is NOT “too low mileage” for an injury, considering that i injured my knee back in april running WAY less. different people experience overuse at different points, and i think 18 mile long runs will qualify me for an overuse injury LOL

      however, thank you for the shoe tips! my shoes are newish, but i bet other people will find that article very interesting!

      • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 8, 2009, 8:41 pm

        I hope an 18 mile long run is high enough mileage for an overuse injury. Otherwise how will I explain my knee pain after running “only” 20 miles this week?

        You are a rockstar Caitlin. 🙂

        • Alex November 8, 2009, 10:43 pm

          Wow, I’m really sorry if that came out the wrong way. I was just trying to be helpful!

      • Caitlin November 8, 2009, 11:06 pm

        hehe we are just teasing you, alex 🙂

  • Stacey November 8, 2009, 8:37 pm

    At least you finally paid attention to it! Get some rest and I LOVE that Tshirt!! I wish my Trixie could/would run with me too 😀

  • Lisa November 8, 2009, 8:45 pm

    Definitely a great idea to take a few days off and rest. Ice it when you can too, that should help a bit. I’ll send good thoughts your way!

  • Niki November 8, 2009, 8:53 pm

    That sucks about your foot.
    But dammit, oh to have a body like yours! I’m going to up my running!

  • Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) November 8, 2009, 8:53 pm

    Caitlin,
    Ice ice ice and maybe try some active release therapy or myofascial massage. They should concentrate on your calves. Lots of calf stretching would help as well. Sit back on your heels while keeping your feet flexed. Does that make sense? Great stretch for your Achilles.

    Congrats on your Foodbuzz award by the way!!!!

    • caitlin November 8, 2009, 8:54 pm

      hi HEAB!!!

  • pen November 8, 2009, 8:58 pm

    like everybody above says, a few days off now is far better than having to sit out the marathon down the road…just ice, ice, ice…and rest. 🙂 i know it’s hard to take some rest–but be proud of yourself for listening to your body!

  • Sarah November 8, 2009, 8:59 pm

    I heart your t-shirt 🙂 where did you get it?

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) November 8, 2009, 9:05 pm

    Ooooh that sucks about your Achilles …I hope that you heal up in 5 days so that you can run in your races!

  • Julie November 8, 2009, 9:11 pm

    Now Caitlin, I know walking casts are all the rage these days but you really have to rest. Got it?! 😉

  • Matt November 8, 2009, 9:13 pm

    I have been there and done that with my Achilles tendon. It took me three weeks of no running and a month to cure that damn thing. If you want me to send you some exercises, let me know.

  • Marissa November 8, 2009, 9:13 pm

    My foot was bothering me too. I think I need to get new shoes. Great shirt!!

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) November 8, 2009, 9:18 pm

    Ah, you are wise to take precautions!! You don’t want to mess with the achilles.. I ended up with achilles tendonitis last year and it stinks- think crutches and pt, all because I didn’t pay attention to my body. I saw the comment from HEAB above and she’s right- strengthening your calves is super important!

  • Jenna November 8, 2009, 9:22 pm

    enjoy the week off to recover!
    jenna

  • Jaya November 8, 2009, 9:42 pm

    Caitlin, congratulations on your award! That must feel great, especially considering that all great movements start with one good intention. Yours was just that good 🙂

    As for injury, I know it, sister. I have a stress fracture in my PELVIS! I get enough jokes being “old” in the competitive world of sports, but having a hip injury doesn’t help with the old lady jokes in the least. I had to withdraw from my season a week before our final matches – the ones that would either win us or deny a berth to nationals. It was a very tough call, but I couldn’t be happier that I quit when I did. My heart just would not let me go to my threshold, and I did not want to compete unless I could perform optimally…and most importantly, without betraying my bod!
    You are the expert on you, so enjoy your week off and whether or not you race this weekend, I wish you a sound recovery. You are so in tune with your body, I know that you will find the signs you need.
    And I agree with Heather – soft tissue work all the way!
    Best to you! Jaya 🙂

  • aron November 8, 2009, 9:54 pm

    my achellies was bugging me a few weeks ago. i took a couple days off (i think 3?) and iced and stretched a lot and it hasn’t really bothered me since. my husband had achellies tendonitis and the dr said it was from tight calves, so if you have those just make sure to keep them loose. the stretch that really helped me was the one where you put your hands on the wall, one leg behind you (like the normal calf stretch) but you bend your knee to get the lower part of the calf… works really well! also compression socks are my best friends when it comes to any lower leg pain. good luck!!!

    CONGRATS on your award too 🙂

    • Caitlin November 8, 2009, 10:08 pm

      having a SF in your pelvis makes you super hard core 🙂 glad you are healing up!

      i’m going to put on my compression socks right now.

  • Katie November 8, 2009, 9:57 pm

    EEK feel better soon! Hopefully 5 days off. Are you going to do yoga, elliptical or anything instead? That way you don’t go crazy in those 5 days!

  • Rodzilla November 8, 2009, 10:09 pm

    I’m sure everyone else said this (I’m not reading through 48 responses)

    STOP RUNNING.

    I did the same thing 3 weeks ago. However I decided to go for ~5k after a 10.5mi the previous day…and limped for 2 weeks after. It’s been about 2 weeks of no running, luckily I’m a cyclist.

    Congrats on the reward, and I’m wishing you a speedy recovery.

  • caronae November 8, 2009, 10:28 pm

    Oh no! I hope it gets better ASAP. I’ve had overuse injuries before, and they pretty much usually just go away on their own. Icing the area helps mucho, as do shoe inserts!

  • debby November 8, 2009, 10:36 pm

    Maggie is so cute! She looks just like my Sophie, and Sophie can’t run with me either!

  • Tracey@tropicalhappiness November 8, 2009, 10:36 pm

    I suffered from this a lot years ago- so much so that I had to go to physical therapy. (I had it in both achilles tendons!) The best thing you can do is to stay off of it while you have the pain. Hopefully it will clear up before the weekend so that you can run.

  • Katie November 8, 2009, 11:11 pm

    Hey Caitlin!! I love your blog!! Ive been reading it for a while and seriously LOVE the way that you eat, you seem to always listen to your body and I respect that a lot. Im a student at clemson and its def hard to eat yummy creative meals like you but i try my best! im so sorry about your ankle too!

  • Anna November 8, 2009, 11:12 pm

    I have had achilles problems as well…I have a couple suggestions that have helped me a TON:
    1. Ice it…just like your knees
    2. Active- Release Massages can really help reduce the pain and workout any tightness in your calves, achilles and legs overall
    3. Tape- I have seen many people tape their achilles in place to keep constant pressure in all the right places
    Hope his helps and email me if you have any other questions!

  • Jen @ This Vegetarian Life November 8, 2009, 11:24 pm

    Those sweet and sour veggies look yummy!

    Sorry to hear about your achilles. I wish I had some advice. 🙁

  • Kassandra Byrd November 8, 2009, 11:57 pm

    Hi Caitlin! I just came across your blog tonight and LOVE it! I just recently started blogging about my weight loss journey of loosing 154lbs in 10 months. It has been crazy but SO worth it! Along the way I have turned to a ton of healthy eating and living so seeing a blog like yours is awesome! I deff. love reading about others who are into their health as well and get tips :). I deff. look forward to reading it more! Thanks!
    Kassandra

  • The Voracious Vegan November 9, 2009, 2:54 am

    Yikes! Hope you feel better soon. It is no fun to have an injury, especially if it means you have to take time away from working out.

    That lomein looks DELICIOUS! And your dog couldn’t be cuter!

  • Susan November 9, 2009, 6:26 am

    Awww, that seriously sucks about your achilles! Mine often gets sore when I run, and the only thing that helps is icing it. But it only ever starts to hurt a couple hours after I run, and not during, which sounds a little worse 🙁 Laying off it this week is a good idea, hopefully it will help!

  • Kristy November 9, 2009, 7:50 am

    First of all, congratulations on your Foodbuzz award!
    It can be so tough to admit to yourself that you need to rest when you really just want to run. Hopefully your week rest will be enough with your races this weekend. Think positive and ice! 🙂

  • Bridget November 9, 2009, 8:12 am

    Take care of your Achilles! I had the same injury (though not nearly the mileage) and it blows. 5-6 days off/icing is the best idea.

    I want that lomein!! Have a great day, and take it easy!

  • Tammy November 9, 2009, 11:52 am

    Oooo…be careful with that…I have heard that the Achilles is especially hard to heal because of the frequency with which we use it! Apparently, you can build up scar tissue and slow healing even more if you don’t rest it enough..That is frustrating I’m sure. I did a marathon last Sunday and I think I have tendonitis on the top of my foot. I’m still not able to run! I hope you get better fast!! Oh…and Vitamin C is supposed to be especially good for soft tissue injuries, but you probably already knew that! 🙂

  • Nikka @ neekadeek November 9, 2009, 12:22 pm

    Congrats on your FoodBuzz award!
    Take care of yourself this week and enjoy the rest before your very big weekend!

  • Sammi November 9, 2009, 4:07 pm

    your weak spot is your foot… my weak spot is the ice cream you finished the night off with!

    I hope taking some time off will help. Injuries are never good 🙁

    I thought of a way you can run with maggie! You could carry her! lol

  • Casey May 26, 2010, 9:41 pm

    what size is your shirt? I’ve been wanting to order one, but have no clue to size!

    • Caitlin May 26, 2010, 10:28 pm

      mine is a small but its REALLY small.

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point